AVOID This If You Have High Blood Pressure...

Licorice can significantly increase blood pressure by disrupting the body's electrolyte balance. The active compound, glycyrrhizin, inhibits the enzyme 11BHSD2, which typically inactivates cortisol. This inhibition leads to an accumulation of cortisol in mineralocorticoid-sensitive tissues, despite normal adrenal production. The resulting mineralocorticoid excess causes the kidneys to reabsorb sodium and excrete potassium, leading to fluid retention, elevated blood pressure, and hypokalemia.

This electrolyte imbalance manifests as sodium retention and potassium depletion. Symptoms include increased blood pressure, muscle cramps, and arrhythmias, directly linked to inadequate electrolyte levels critical for heart function. Individuals with existing hypertension or electrolyte imbalances, or those on diuretics, face heightened risks.

The enzyme 11BHSD2 serves as a protective mechanism, preventing excessive cortisol from flooding the body. High cortisol levels naturally induce sodium retention, potassium loss, increased blood pressure, muscle cramps, and heart arrhythmia. Licorice effectively 'tricks' the body into mimicking these high-cortisol effects by blocking 11BHSD2. Glycyrrhizin, the active ingredient in licorice, is structurally similar to aldosterone and cortisol, allowing it to bind to mineralocorticoid receptors with high affinity.

The historical context of human evolution suggests that retaining sodium was advantageous when dietary sodium was scarce. Licorice's capacity to induce sodium retention might have been beneficial in such past environments. However, in modern diets rich in processed foods, this effect becomes detrimental, particularly given the concurrent widespread deficiency in potassium.

Potassium is an essential electrolyte vital for heart health, nerve signal transmission, muscle function, and blood sugar regulation. A staggering 98% of the population does not meet the recommended daily intake of 4,700 milligrams of potassium. Chronic low potassium intake, combined with licorice-induced potassium depletion, significantly exacerbates health risks.

Licorice consumption can push individuals from baseline potassium deficiency to severe deficiency, increasing the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and other cardiovascular complications. This highlights the critical nature of maintaining adequate potassium intake, especially when consuming substances known to affect electrolyte balance.

Regular licorice consumption, such as more than two cups of licorice tea daily or 100 milligrams of licorice candy daily for over two weeks, can lead to adverse health effects, potentially requiring hospitalization. The danger lies in chronic low-dose exposure rather than single large doses. Individuals with high blood pressure, those on diuretics, the elderly, or those taking synthetic cortisol (e.g., prednisone) should strictly avoid licorice.

Healthcare providers must be informed about licorice consumption, as its effects can mimic symptoms of adrenal tumors or other hormonal disorders, leading to misdiagnosis. The condition, known as pseudohyperaldosteronism, results from licorice's mineralocorticoid effects, not an actual tumor. Symptoms from licorice typically reverse upon cessation.

For those seeking the beneficial properties of licorice without the adverse effects on blood pressure and electrolytes, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is a safe alternative. DGL undergoes a process where glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for enzyme inhibition, is removed. This allows access to licorice's protective benefits for gut health, inflammation, and immune support without risking potassium depletion or blood pressure elevation. DGL is particularly recommended for long-term use, especially for conditions like ulcers, where licorice has traditionally been applied.